Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

If you’re building or renovating in Hoover or Homewood, the question of “Solid vs. Engineered” will eventually come up. Both look identical from the top, but their “DNA” is completely different.

In the Birmingham climate, choosing the wrong one can lead to “cupping” or gaps in your floor.

At In and Out Flooring, we bring samples of both to your home so you can see, feel, and understand the difference.

Solid Hardwood: The Multi-Generation Floor

Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like: a single, solid piece of wood from top to bottom (usually 3/4″ thick).

• The Lifespan: Because it is solid wood, it can be sanded and refinished 5–7 times. It can literally last over 100 years.

• The Drawback: It is very sensitive to moisture. In Alabama, solid wood expands and contracts significantly, which can lead to squeaky boards or gaps during dry winters.

Engineered Hardwood: The Humidity Solution

Engineered hardwood is made of a real wood veneer (the “wear layer”) bonded to multiple layers of cross-grained plywood or high-density fiberboard.

• Stability: This “cross-grain” construction makes it much more stable than solid wood. It won’t warp or buckle when the Birmingham humidity hits 90%.

• The “Basement” Option: Engineered wood is the only real wood option that can be safely installed over concrete slabs (common in Hoover) or in basements.

Installation Realities in Birmingham

In Mountain Brook and Homewood, many older homes have plywood subfloors, which are great for solid hardwood. However, many newer homes in Greystone are built on concrete slabs.

If you have a concrete slab, engineered hardwood is almost always the better, safer choice.

The Verdict: Which One Wins?

• Choose Solid if you have a plywood subfloor and want a floor that will last through your grandchildren’s generation.

• Choose Engineered if you have a concrete slab, want wider planks (which stay more stable in engineered form), or live in a particularly humid area.

Quality You Can Stand On

At In and Out Flooring, we don’t believe in “one size fits all.” We look at your home’s subfloor, your neighborhood’s humidity, and your lifestyle to make the perfect recommendation.

Ready to see the samples in your light? Book your mobile showroom appointment with In and Out Flooring today!

Service areas; Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, and Greystone